Spraying apparatus



March 1, 1960 H. G. sTRoHM SPRAYING APPARATUS l Filed April 21, 1958 vvvmwwwmmm:

A a mw`1` n m mmm m I1 m u une; l

SPRAYING APPARATUS Harold G. Strohm, Waukegan, Ill., assignor to Production Specialists, West Allis, Wis., a partnership Application April 21, 1958, Serial No. 729,769

2 Claims. (Cl. 239-417) This invention relates generally to spraying apparatus. More particularly it relates to devices for producing and applying a spray.

Many industrial processes, such as milling, drilling, turning, planing, tapping and drawing of metals, require the application of a soluble oil, commercial coolant, or other liquids to the tool and the metal being worked thereby to effect cooling and lubricating. Application of the aforementioned liquids by ooding or in the form of foam, while satisfactory for some purposes, is often attended by splashing which may be objectionable or may require the use of inordinately large quantities of liquids. Application of the aforementioned liquids in the form of mist, fog, or atomized particles, while overcoming the problems of splashing and waste, is frequently objectionable in that the extremely line particles of liquid tend to remain suspended in the atmosphere where they cause irritation to machine operators and may actually be deleterious to health. Prior spraying devices, while generally satisfactory for their intended purposes, are often extremely complicated, troublesome to maintain, expensive to manufacture, or are not susceptible of a wide variety of uses. It is desirable, therefore, to provide improved spraying apparatus for the aforementioned and other liquids.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide improved means for producing and applying a spray.

Another object is to provide improved means of the aforesaid character whereby the spray is produced by the coaction of gas and liquid externally of said means.

Still another object is to provide means of the aforesaid character wherein the means for dispensing the liquid is disposed within the means for dispensing the gas.

A further object is to provide an improved device for producing and applying a spray whereby the character and quality of the spray and the pattern thereof can be widely varied in an extremely simple manner.

An even further object is to provide improved devices of the aforesaid character for producing and applying a multiplicity of sprays.

A still further object is to provide improved devices of the aforesaid character which are relatively economical to manufacture, which lend themselves readily to mass production, which are rugged and dependable in use, which are easy to maintain, which are simple to regulate, and which are adaptable to a wide variety of uses.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter appear.

The accompanying drawing illustrates preferred embodiments of the invention which will hereinafter be described, it being understood that the embodiments illustrated are susceptible of various modifications with respect to certain details thereof without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a spray producing and applying device incorporating'the invention; i

United States Patent O Patented -Mar. 1, 1960 2 Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken along line 2--2 of Fig. l; and

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of another form of device incorporating the invention.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the numeral 10 designates one preferred embodiment of a spray producing and applying device incorporating the invention. Spray producing and applying device 10 comprises a control head or member 11 which is preferably formed from a solid block of metal, such as aluminum. Control head 11 is provided with a substantially cylindrical chamber 12 which extends vertically into the head from the top surface 11a thereof almost to the bottom surface 11b thereof. The mouth of chamber 12 is threaded or tapped so as to accommodate the threaded end of a nipple 13 which is screwed therein. Control head 11 is further provided with a substantially cylindrical chamber 14, preferably of the same diameter as chamber 12, which extends vertically through the head from top 11a thereof to bottom surface 11b thereof and is parallel to chamber 12. The upper and lower ends of chamber 14 are threaded or tapped so as to accommodate the threaded ends o-f the nipples 15 and 16, respectively, which are screwed therein. A substantially cylindrical hole 17, preferably of the same diameter as chamber 14, is formed in the face 11C of head 11 and communicates with the interior of chamber 14 near the upper end thereof. Hole 17 is threaded or tapped so as to accommodate the threaded end of a nipple 18 which is screwed therein. Another cylindrical hole 19 is formed in the face llc of head 11 and extends into the head at right angles to chamber 12 and is adjacent thereto. Hole 19 is threaded or tapped so as to accommodate the threaded end of a nipple 2li which is screwed therein. The interior of hole 19 communicates with the interior of chamber 12 through a frusto-conical port 21 whose wall serves as the seat for the conical tip 22a of a needle valve 22. The axis of port 21 is aligned with the axis of a substantially cylindrical opening 23 which is formed in the side surface 11d of head 11 and communicates with the interior of chamber 12. Opening 23 is threaded or tapped so as to accommodate the threaded shank 22b of needle valve 22. The mouth of opening 23 adjacent side surface 11d of head 11 is of greater diameter than the threaded portion thereof and is adapted to accommodate the head 22C of needle valve 22. The head 22C of needle valve 22 is provided with annular groove 22d which is adapted to accommodate a toroidal sealing gasket 24, which is preferably formed of neoprene, rubber, or similar elastic materials. Sealing gasket 24 engages the smooth wall of the mouth of opening 23 to prevent the leakage of liquid from chamber 12. It is t0 be understood that needle valve 22 is rotatable on its axis to regulate the rate of flow of liquid from hole 19 into chamber 12.

Referring again to the nipple 16 which is associated with the lower end of chamber 14, it is seen that one end of rigid, hollow tubular member 25 is inserted into the lower end thereof. A resilient, annular gasket 26, preferably formed of nylon and having a substantially triangular cross section, is disposed about the periphery of the tubular member 25 and serves to seal and hold the tubular member in place when the internally threaded retainingl ring or collar 27 is taken down on nipple 16 to force the gasket into the recess 16a between the mouth of the lower end of the nipple and the exterior wall of the tubular member. Preferably, tubular member 25 is formed of copper or other material which is substantially rigid yet sufficiently malleable or flexible to be readily bent or shaped as desired.

Referring again to the nipple 13 which is associated Vwith the mouth of chamber 12, it is seen that onev end of a exible, hollowY tubular member 2S, preferably formed of Saran or similar flexible synthetic material, extends therethrough into chamber 12. A resilient, annular gasket 29, preferably formed or neoprene, rubber or similar elastic materials, and having rasubstantially rectangularcross section, is disposed about the periphery of tubular member '28 and serves toseal off the upper end of chamber 12 and to hold the tubular member in place when the internally threaded retaining ring or collar 3d is taken down on nipple 13.to compress gasket 29 against the end of the nipple 13. Tubular member 2S extends outwardly from chamber 12, curves over the top of control head11, extends downwardly through nipple associated with the upper end of chamber 14, extends through chamber 14, -extends through nipple 16 associated with the lower end of chamber 1d, and through the tubular member 2S. A resilient, annular gasket 31, similar to gasket 292 is associated with nipple and is disposed about the periphery of tubular member 28. Gasket 31 serves to seal off the upper end of chamber 14 and to hold the tubular member 23 in place when an yinternally threaded retaining ring or collar 32 is taken down on nipple 1S to compress gasket 31 against the end v,of nipple 15. The otherend of flexible tubular member 2S is associated with the lower end of rigid tubular member 2S as shown in Fig. 2 to form the nozzle of the device 10. By loosening retaining ring 32 on nipple 15 to relieve the pressure on gasket 31 the end of tubular member 28 may be slid inwardly or outwardly with respect to the end of tubular member 25 to the exact position desired, as will hereinafter be explained. When the desired position is obtained collar 32 is again taken down on nipple 15 to recompress gasket 31 and to again seal otf the upper end of chamber 14.

Referring again to nipples 18 and 20 which are associated with the openings 1'7 and 19, respectively, provided in head l1, it is seen that they are adapted to accommodate suitable hoses or tubes 33 and 34, respectively, which supply-airior gas and iiquid, respectively,

:under pressure to the chambers 14 and 12 of head 11,

as will be more fully explained hereinafter.

Control head 11 is further provided with suitable means, such as the openings 36 and 37, which adapt device 10 for mounting when in use, as will hereinafter be explained.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of another form of device dil embodying the invention. Device lil comprises a multiple outlet control head or member 41 which is preferably formed from a solid block of metal such as aluminum. It is to be understood that control head 41 is provided along the left hand side thereof with four chambers (not shown) for liquid, each of which is similar to chambery 12 shown in Fig. 2. The mouth of each liquid chamber accommodates a nipple (not shown) in the same mannerin which chamber 12 accommodates nipple .13, as shown in Fig. 2. r`Each nipple (not shown) is associated with a gasket (not shown) and a retaining ring or collar 42, 43, 44 and 45. Each liquid chamber communicates Vthrough aport (not shown), similar to port 21 .shown in Fig. 2, with a hollow passage 46 which extends almostvthe entire length of control head iff-1 at right angles to each of the chambers, Flow of liquid from passage F16 into each of the liquid chambers associated therewith is regulated by the needle valves 47, 48, 49 and 50 whichV are substantially identical to needle valve 22 shown in Fig. 2. The mouth of passage 46 is threaded or tapped to accommodate the externally threaded end of a hollow nipple 51 whose other end is adapted to be associated with a suitable hose or tube 52 which is adapted to supply liquid under pressure to passage 46. Y

/It is to be further understood that control head 41 is provided along the right hand side thereof with four gas or air chambers (notshown) each of which is similar tosei'iamberAv l4..shown..ia Fia .2- Ihe. upper. 6nd, 0f `.each

air chamber accommodates a nipple (not shown) in the same manner in which chamber 14 accommodates nipple 15, as shown in Fig. 2. Each nipple is associated with a gasket (not shown) and a retaining ring or collar S3, 54, 55 and 56. The lower end of each air chamber accommodates a nipple (not shown) in the same manner in which chamber 14 accommodates nipple 16, as shown in Fig. 2, and the tubular members 57, 38, 59 and 60 are associated therewith in the same manner in which tubular member 25 is associated with nipple 16, as Fig. 2 shows. .For purposes of illustration the rigid tubular members 57, 58, E59 and 60 are shown as bent so as to be visible and the lower ends of each have been bent into various positions to show their adaptability. Each air chamber in control head 41 communicates with a hollow passage 61 which extends almost through the entire length of the control head and passes through each of the air chambers. The mouth of passage 61 is threaded or tapped to accommodate the externally threaded end of a hollow nipple 62 whose other end is adapted to be associated with a suitable hose or tube 63 which is adapted to supply gas or air under pressure to passage 61.

Flexible tubular members 64s, 65, 66 and 67, similar to member 23 shown in Figs. l and 2, each have one end associated with a liquid chamber located on the left hand side of head 41, extend through an air chamber located on the right hand side of the head, and extend through the tubular members 57, 58, 59 and 6d, respective.y The ends of tubular members 64, 65, 66 and 67 are shown as projecting the same distance beyond the ends of tubular members 57, 5S, 59 and 60, respectively, but the relationship between each can be varied as will hereinafter be explained.

lt is to be understood that device 40 may be adapted for mounting when in use by holes (not shown) provided through the head 41 thereof, or by other suitable means.

The device 10, shown in Figs. l and 2, isutilized and operated inthe following manner.

Assume, for example, that device itl is to be employed to provide a spray of liquid coolant for cooling a metal object (not shown) being drilled on a drill-press (not shown). Control head 11 is then secured by means of openings 36 and 37 to some rigid portion of the drillpress. lf preferred, control head 11 could be mounted in the vicinity of the drill-press rather than thereupon if such an arrangement were more convenient. Tubular member 25, which may be any convenient length, is bent or formed so that its end is disposed a few inches away from the object and tool to which the coolant is to be applied. The distance could, for example, be anywhere from one inch to sixror more inches depending on the size of the area to be sprayed. The ends (not shown) of hoses or tubes 33 and 34 are then connected to suitable sources which supply air (or-some other gas) and liquid coolant, respectively, underpressure.

Liquid coolant llow's through hose 34, passes through nipple 2t? and enters hole 19 from whence it flows through port 21 into chamber 12. When thevliquid lills chamber 12 it flows through-hollow tubular member 12S and out the lower end thereof. The rate at which liquid enters chamber 12, and thus, the rate at which it hows out of the lower end of tubular member 28, is regulated by adjustment of needle valve 22, as will be readilyunderstood. By adjustment of needle valve `22 liquid may be permitted to flow from the lower end of tubular member 28 at an extremely slow rate, such` as drop-by-'drop Y or is a steady stream. Obviously, the rate of'tlow of the liquid is also determined by the Vpressure at which the liquid is supplied from the source. Y

The compressed air flows through hose 33, passes through nipple 18 and enters hole 17 from whence it hows into chamber 14. lt then ows throughvnipple 16 and through hollow tubular member 25 and out the lower end thereof-tris aprzstentthatth@ ,air owstltrstish .the

space between the interior surface of tubular member 25 and the exterior surface of tubular member 28. The rate at which the compressed air leaves the end of tubular member 25 is, of course, determined by the pressure at which it is supplied to chamber 14 from the source.

The compressed air leaving the end of tubular member 25 impinges upon the liquid coolant emerging from the end of tubular member 2S and breaks the liquid into a cone-shaped spray. Thus, formation of the spray takes place externally of both of the tubular members. lt is important to note that the size and character of the liquid particles forming the spray is such that they do not tend to remain suspended in the atmosphere i.e., a spray and not a mist or fog is produced. By coaxially moving tubular member 28 with respect to tubular member 25 to .change the distance by which the end of the former projects beyond the end of the latter, as was hereinbefore explained, changes in the shape of the cone can be eifected. Changes in the quality and character of the spray are effected by varying the pressure of the air or liquid, or both, and by adjustment of the needle valve 22,

It is apparent that device can be employed to advantage with other types of machine tools. Thus, for example, if hoses 33 and 34 are liexible and of sucient length, device 10 can be mounted upon the movable portion of a machine tool so that the nozzle (i.e., the lower ends of members and 28) is in fixed relationship -to the tool thereof as it passes over the object being worked.

Furthermore, it is apparent that device 1t) may be employed in other industrial processes which require the application of liquids other than coolants in the form of a spray. l j

The device shown in Fig. 3 operates in substantially the same manner as device 10. Device 40 is particularly useful where it is necessary to apply a multiplicity of sprays, each of which may differ in shape of cone, character and intensity. Thus, for example, large presses for forming a sheet of metal into a complex shape require that cooling and lubricating` substances be applied in different quantities at different parts of the die. In such an installation it is convenient and economical to employ a device such as 40 since compressed air and liquid under pressure may be supplied from single sources to the unitized control head 41 thereof and the tubular members 57, 58, 59 and 60 cut to any desired length and base, said base having a fluid chamber therewithin and an aperture for admitting fluid into said chamber, said duid chamber having two other apertures, said base bein-g further provided with a liquid chamber therewithin and an aperture for admitting liquid into said liquid chamber, said liquid chamber having one other aperture, a first tube, means for connecting one end of said first tube to said fluid chamber through one of said two other apertures and for sealing the said one aperture, a flexible tube which extends through said uid chamber and through said rst tube so that one end of said exible tube projects beyond the other end of said rst tube, said flexible tube having an external diameter which is substantially smaller than the internal diameter of said rst tube so that fluid may pass therebetween, means for connecting the other end of said iexible tube to said liquid chamber through the said one other aperture of said liquid chamber and for sealing the said one other aperture, and sealing means between said exible tube and said base at the other of said two other apertures of said-fluid chamber to seal said uid chamber against leakage and to maintain said exible tube fixed with respect to said rst tube.

2. The combination according to claim 1 including means to regulate the flow of liquid into said liquid chamber in said base through the said aperture for admitting liquid into said liquid chamber, said last recited means comprising a threaded member which is suppor-ted by said base and takes into a tapped hole provided in said base, a portion of said threaded member within said base being juxtaposed to said aperture for admitting liquid so as to vary the liquid liow therethrough as said threaded member is moved with respect to said aperture.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS V1,119,669 Wigness Dec. 1, 1914 FOREIGN PATENTS 19,232 Great Britain 1908 305,791 Great Britain Feb. 14, 1929 566,543 Great Britain Jan. 3, 1945 

